White-Collar Dad, Blue-Collar Son

Dear Lauren, 

My son was supposed to graduate from high school this year, but didn't because he didn't pass all of his classes.  He has been saying that he isn't going to finish high school, that he is just going to get his GED and get a job.  I am worried that he is not going to be able to get a good job -- one that can support himself and a family if he doesn't got to college.  What can I do?

White-Collar Dad, Blue Collar Son?

Dear White-Collar Dad -

Sometimes kids turn away from college when they feel like they can't be successful at it.  Sometimes they turn away when they feel they are not ready for it.  Some kids feel they are more suited to vocational school.  It is hard to say where your son is at on the spectrum.  It is possible to say that he will need support transitioning from high school to a meaningful career whether it involves college or not.

Getting the GED (General Educational Development) certificate is an important step, and one that shouldn't be taken lightly.  If he is adamant about not finishing high school courses, then I encourage you to support him in getting his GED.  It is a challenging test that will likely require preparation to pass.   Support, encourage, and keep him accountable to completing the GED.  It is far more productive and positive to support him in completing either his diploma or GED and detrimental to argue and delay any demonstrable completion of high school.

It is common for a young person to understand the post-high school options as going to college or getting a job.  There is often little emphasis or value placed on vocational training.  Yet there is a persistent need, a good paycheck, lots of talent, and plenty of esteem in vocational jobs.  

If your son is set against college, it is time to explore the alternatives.  Plumbers and electricians are the two blue-collar jobs that many people think of first, but there are many more.  Jobs like aircraft mechanics, locomotive engineer, gas plant operators, or site managers/supervisors in construction are consider blue-collar as well.  This article offers a list of the 40 top paying blue-collar jobs in 2011.  http://www.bestcareersopportunities.com/2011/01/40-top-paying-blue-collar-jobs.html 

I encourage you to manage your anxiety about getting your son into college by shifting your objective to exploring with him the many options other than college.  Once you begin searching, you will find that there are many avenues of support including careers counselors, GED classes, aptitude tests, vocational schools, and apprenticeships.  Ultimately, I believe you will find there is both money and honor in blue-collar jobs; essential for your son to know, helpful for you to understand.

Best Regards,

Lauren